Talking with Thalia
Talking with Thalia: Local Nonprofit Promotes Bike, E-Bike and Scooter Safety
As summer kicks into high gear, children across the Coachella Valley are spending more time outdoors riding bikes, e-bikes and scooters. But with the increase in riders comes an important reminder: safety first.
On this week's Talking with Thalia, Chelsea Clark of the local nonprofit For Shay J, spoke about her family's organization dedicated to educating children about helmet safety and preventing tragic accidents.
Clark's mission is deeply personal. Eleven years ago, she lost her older brother, Shay Jay, in an accident while he wasn't wearing a helmet.
"He was an amazing musician and an incredible human being," Clark said. "Keeping his spirit alive and helping others has become our purpose."
The nonprofit visits schools and community events throughout the Coachella Valley to teach children about the importance of wearing helmets and provides helmets to families who may not be able to afford them.
While traditional bicycles remain popular, Clark says the organization has increasingly focused on the growing popularity of e-bikes and scooters.
"People don't realize how fast these e-bikes actually go," she said. "That makes them even more dangerous."
The nonprofit recently received a major boost after earning second place in last year's local Fast Pitch competition, taking home $17,000 in grant funding.
"We're using that money to purchase 10,000 helmets for this coming school year," Clark said.
The impact of their work is already being felt throughout the community.
Clark recalled the story of a middle school student named Gabriel, who initially declined a helmet after one of the organization's presentations. He later changed his mind and accepted one.
"Just a week later, he was struck by a car," Clark said. "Our helmet saved his life."
Stories like Gabriel's continue to motivate Clark and her family as they turn their personal tragedy into a life-saving mission.
As e-bikes and scooters become increasingly popular among children and teens, safety advocates urge parents to pay close attention to age restrictions and ensure their children always wear helmets.
Clark's message is simple:
"Wear a helmet. Always. For Shay J."
By: Thalia Hayden
June 22, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason